As the days pass, the need for a deal grows

After 52 days, the political situation is - as former Labour leader Ruairi Quinn said yesterday - "very dangerous". Although he did not want to pre-empt any discussion or decision by his party about entering government, he obviously favours putting the country first. He's right that the party should support the formation of the next administration however it can.

After 52 days, the political situation is - as former Labour leader Ruairi Quinn said yesterday - "very dangerous". Although he did not want to pre-empt any discussion or decision by his party about entering government, he obviously favours putting the country first. He's right that the party should support the formation of the next administration however it can.

Unfortunately, not all of his colleagues think the same, as many former TDs made clear on RTÉ Radio's 'This Week' programme yesterday. They would prefer to regroup in opposition and try again next time.

But success in politics is about getting things done in government - and that's where Labour should be if it wants a realistic chance of influencing both the Programme for Government and the content of the next Budget.

Please sign in or register with Independent.ie for free access to Opinions.